What is a leaky gut?
Leaky Gut Syndrome is a key term in our internet symptom searches and holistic health research studies.
Do you know what it means, and have you ever wondered how it may be affecting you?
Is Leaky Gut the key to unlocking better health?
Let’s start with a quick clarification: terms like ‘gut leak,’ ‘leaky intestine,’ or ‘leaky stomach’ might sound alarming, but there’s no need to panic. Despite how dramatic they sound, these issues are a bit more mundane than they seem, and they’re certainly not as graphic as they might appear. However, they may hold a missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to conditions like IBS, inflammation, bloating, weight loss resistance, migraines and mood disturbance. There is also a key link to underlying food intolerance. So, if you’re intrigued by those somewhat unsettling headlines and that sounds like you, keep reading!
Awareness of food intolerances is on the rise, with an estimated 20% to 60% of the population potentially dealing with hidden sensitivities or intolerances. These can cause all kinds of unexplained symptoms like bloating, IBS, headaches, mood swings, acne, and eczema. (1) (2)
But what exactly is a ‘leaky gut,’ and how could it be impacting you?
Inside our digestive system, we have specialised cell structures, known as tight junctions, that act a bit like doormen at an exclusive nightclub. They decide who gets to enter the bloodstream and who they want to keep out! There are tiny, natural openings in our gut lining that allow essential nutrients to pass through, however, these openings should stay small enough to keep harmful stuff like toxins, bacteria, undigested food particles, and antibodies out of our bloodstream. When these openings get too big, that’s when the trouble starts. This is when you may experience inflammation, immune system reactions, and health problems (3).
When the integrity of the gut lining is compromised, it’s called leaky gut, or intestinal permeability. This means that the microscopic holes in the gut lining become larger, allowing things like food particles to slip into the bloodstream. Your immune system might then mistake these food proteins as invaders and launch an attack, causing inflammation.
Over time, repeated exposure to certain foods could lead to the production of IgG antibodies. These antibodies are involved in delayed immune responses, which can lead to inflammation and damage to cells. This process is often linked to symptoms seen in those with food intolerances. Interestingly, food intolerance symptoms are rarely black and white. You’ve probably had a meal at your favourite restaurant one week with no issues, then the same meal a few weeks later sends your IBS into overdrive. This could be a result of the frequency, dosage and sometimes combinations of reactive foods consumed, as well as how a leaky gut impacts digestion and absorption (4).
Unlike food allergies, which are immediate and can cause severe reactions (involving IgE antibodies), food intolerance reactions are more gradual and often involve IgG antibodies. Symptoms can vary from digestive issues to headaches and fatigue, making it tricky to pinpoint the culprit (5).
This is where we come in. Our Premium Food Intolerance Test helps identify IgG food reactions so that you can take control of your health. Our industry-leading intolerance test looks into reactivity to over 200 foods and drinks, and all results are supported by guidance from one of our fully qualified Nutritional Therapists. We can work with you to build a personalised dietary plan—often involving the temporary elimination of trigger foods. The typical elimination period based on IgG testing is around 12 weeks (6), and research shows it’s an effective approach for those dealing with chronic conditions like IBS and migraines (7) (8).
But what about food intolerance symptoms that aren’t gut-related?
When IgG antibodies identify food proteins as harmful, they form immune complexes that can travel through the bloodstream. These complexes can end up in organs beyond the digestive system, which may explain how food intolerance symptoms can affect areas like the skin, joints, brain, or urinary tract (3) (8).
So, what causes a leaky gut?
It’s a bit more complicated than one single factor, but theories include infection, toxins, trauma, specific foods, medications, and environmental chemicals. Genetics, the hygiene hypothesis (our overly clean environments), and even natural ageing can all play a role in weakening the gut lining (10).
And yes, the gut microbiome is directly involved in leaky gut! An imbalance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut can affect gut permeability, immune function, and even mental health (11). Studies suggest that combining IgG elimination diets with probiotics can help manage conditions like IBS and migraines (12), so supporting your gut with probiotics might just be a step in the right direction. Champneys offer a high strength, professional grade probiotic to help get you back on track. Speak to one of the Fitness team or a resort Nutritionist for more information.
Can a leaky gut be healed?
Research shows that nutrients, enzymes, herbs, and essential fatty acids can all help nourish the gut lining and restore its integrity (13). One key nutrient is glutamine, an amino acid that plays a major role in maintaining gut barrier function. It has been shown to improve gut health and repair damage (14). Glutamine is widely revered as the most important nutrient for the healing of leaky gut syndrome as it acts as the primary fuel to strengthen and repair gut lining cells (15). L-Glutamine, is available as a convenient and effective powder via your Champneys Wellness team or Nutritionist.
By identifying and temporarily eliminating reactive foods while also addressing the gut’s structural and microbiome health, you’re looking at a holistic, “inside out” approach to better health. Could this be the missing link in your health journey?
If you’re ready to dive deeper or have questions, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to find out more.
Contact Champneys Senior Nutritionist Becki Hawkins on springs.nutritionist@champneys.com
References:
1. Gaby A. Food allergy: Nutritional Medicine 2nd ed. Concord, NH: Frits Perlberg Publishing; 2017. Pp.23-30. 60% of the
2. Immunoglobulin G food testing - Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
3. Role of immunoglobulin G antibodies in diagnosis of food allergy - PMC
5. Food Intolerance* is not the same as Food Allergy? | YorkTest
7. IgG-based elimination diet in migraine plus irritable bowel syndrome - PubMed
8. Ritz BW, Lord RD. Case study: The effectiveness of a dietary supplement regimen in reducing IgG mediated food sensitivity in ADHD. Altern Ther Health Med May-Jun 2005;11(3):72-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15943133/
9. IgG-based elimination diet in migraine plus irritable bowel syndrome - PubMed
11. Partners in Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity - PMC
13. Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review - PMC
14. Glutamine and the regulation of intestinal permeability: from bench to bedside - PubMed
15. Glutamine and barrier function in cultured Caco-2 epithelial cell monolayers - PubMe